5 Best places to Visit in Quebec in Winter for Families

*This post features the best places to visit in Quebec on winter for families. It may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you.

Quebec is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful provinces to visit in Canada in winter (this information may be biased because we live there, but I’m sure it’s true!). Quebec is also known as La Belle Province for a reason! There are so many beautiful towns and charming villages to visit in the heart of this province, in winter or summer!

The province stands out from the rest of Canada on several levels. The most impressive fact is its linguistic uniqueness. Quebec is Canada’s only French-speaking province. Quebecers play with the French language and frequently use Québécismes, words or expressions that are specific to Quebec French. There are even glossaries to help you understand the particularities of Quebec French! On this point, I plead guilty! I use a lot of Québécismes every day!

Winter is also one of the best times to visit Quebec. You’ll be treated to breathtaking snow-covered landscapes. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the pleasures of winter.

Hop in the car (or on the plane!) and set off to discover one of the 5 best places to visit in Quebec in winter for families!

➡️ Read Next: 7 LONG WEEKEND FAMILY GETAWAYS IN QUEBEC

Why you should visit Quebec in winter

Quebec is renowned for being a welcoming and lively province. Quebecers are also renowned for their warmth and festivity.

The spectacular landscapes spread over its vast territory will impress you, especially in winter. Frozen lakes and snow-capped mountains add a special touch to the Quebec landscape.

In winter, Quebec comes alive! A multitude of festivals and special winter activities take place to warm up the cities during the cold season. In addition to Montreal, the best-known of Quebec destinations, there are a host of other cities to visit in winter in Quebec. Each one will fascinate you with its culinary specialities and fun activities.

The 5 winter destinations identified in this article offer a fine balance of outdoor activities, entertainment, history, festivals and culinary discoveries. They really are the best places to visit in Quebec in winter with kids!

How cold is it in Quebec in winter?

We won’t lie to you… it can get very cold in Quebec in winter. The cold season starts at the end of November and lasts until the beginning of April. The coldest month is January.

But northern temperatures also mean SNOW! Quebec in winter is a snowy paradise.

Dress warmly and you’ll be able to enjoy the winter pleasures Quebec has to offer with no problem. This is even truer for young children and babies. Their skin is much more fragile, so they’re at greater risk of suffering from frostbite. Be sure to pack all the winter travel essentials for children in your luggage.

Finally, it’s important to note that temperatures and snowfall can vary from region to region and month to month.

The best places to visit in Quebec in winter for families

La Belle Province has a whole host of enchanting winter discoveries in store for you. Each destination has its own unique character and offers a host of fun family activities.

Put on your tuque and mittens and set off on a voyage of discovery!

1. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

Nestled in the heart of the Laurentians, Mont-Tremblant is one of the most picturesque and lively winter destinations in Quebec. It’s no surprise that Mont-Tremblant tops our list of the best places to visit in Quebec in winter. It is a true paradise for families who love the outdoors and winter adventures: snow sports, alpine hiking, fat biking and a host of other family sports activities await you.

Of course, Mont-Tremblant is best known for its skiable mountain. The Tremblant resort is the most popular ski area for families in Quebec. This is where you’ll find the highest peak in the Laurentians. Tremblant is also considered the #1 ski village in Eastern North America. In fact, Tremblant Resort is the best-known and most popular ski destination for families in Quebec.

As well as the famous ski mountain, there are many other areas of the town that families visiting Mont-Tremblant in winter will absolutely love. These include the Domaine Saint-Bernard, the resort (the perfect place to enjoy all the action), the old village (the ideal place to discover local flavours and meet the locals) and the town centre. All of these places have as much to offer to families looking for thrills as to families simply looking to relax and get away from it all.

Downtown Mont-Tremblant is about an hour and a half’s drive from Montreal and 2 hours from Ottawa. This makes it an easily accessible destination – ideal for weekend family getaways.

Whether it’s playing in the snow or enjoying the resort’s facilities, Mont-Tremblant is our favourite places to visit in Quebec in winter. Our kids love it just as much as we do!

Family winter activities IN Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

• Plan a family ski or snowboard outing at Mont Tremblant. For those who don’t practice these winter sports but would still like to discover the mountain, opt for the alpine hiking and snowshoeing trails also accessible here.
• Snow sliding is always a hit with the kids! In Mont-Tremblant, you can opt for snow tubing at Aventures Neige (a winter area where you can choose from 8 toboggan runs) or the ice slide located right in the heart of the Village, on the shores of Lac Mercier.
• Enjoy the immensity of the snow-covered landscape by planning a snowshoe hike or winter walk on one of Mont-Tremblant’s many marked trails. There are over 150 km of trails designed for these winter sports.
• Put on your ice skates and practice your prowess on one of the many skating rinks in town, including the illuminated rink at the resort, the Espace Public rink and the outdoor rink on the Erik Guay sports island.
• To warm up, opt for one of the many indoor family activities: splash around at the Brind’o Aquaclub water park, enjoy an immersive experience at Tremblant’s virtual reality games or stargaze at the Velan pavilion in Domaine Saint-Bernard.
• Plan a stroll along the main street in the town centre to discover local shops and grab a bite to eat (see our recommendations below).
• For a good dose of adrenalin, opt for an ice climbing This course lasts 3 hours and is mainly aimed at beginners. IMPORTANT: participants must be aged 8 or over.

Best family-friendly restaurants in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

Mont-Tremblant has a multitude of family restaurants, cafés and sandwich shops. Here are our top recommendations for where to eat with kids in Mont-Tremblant:

• La Pizzateria is our favourite family restaurant in the heart of Mont-Tremblant village. Pasta and pizza, what more could you ask for to please kids and parents alike? The restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere is ideal for families.
• La Diable microbrewery is another great option for families in the centre of Mont-Tremblant village. The relaxed atmosphere and American-style menu make this restaurant a popular choice for families. Typical ‘American’ options are on the menu for children: hot dogs, chicken croquettes and burgers.
• Mille pâtes is our favourite downtown restaurant. Once again, Italian dishes are generally popular with families. This restaurant is family-friendly and ideally located on the main street.
• Finally, Le Shack is a perfect restaurant for families. The decor is particularly pretty: you’ll find tree trunks running across the ceiling in several places. The restaurant is located at the foot of the mountain – you’ll have a magnificent view of the ski area. Finally, the menu, also American-style, offers a great variety of dishes.

All these restaurants are extremely popular with the many tourists who visit Mont-Tremblant in winter – so we highly recommend that you book in advance.

Where to stay with kids in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

Here are our favourite family-friendly hotels in Mont-Tremblant:

• Our favourite hotel in Mont-Tremblant is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tremblant. It’s perfectly located, right in the heart of the resort – within walking distance of the ski slopes and all the winter action in the heart of Tremblant. We particularly liked the spacious rooms, equipped with a kitchenette and balcony. Affordable and welcoming!
• The Microtel Inn & Suites is another great choice for families travelling to Mont-Tremblant in winter who don’t want to be in the heart of the resort. The hotel is affordable and well located. It is about ten minutes from the resort. Fewer activities are within walking distance, but it offers more peace and quiet in the evenings, away from the noise of the party tourists!
• For a more luxurious experience, the Fairmont Tremblant is the best choice. Located directly at the foot of the mountain, it’s impossible to get a better location at Tremblant! The restaurants, pools and top-quality service (not to mention the comfort of the rooms) make this hotel an excellent choice for a family stay in Mont-Tremblant.

2. Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City is one of Canada’s top family destinations. Although you’re in the heart of North America, Quebec City stands out for its typically European charm. The cobbled streets and architecture of Old Quebec will make you think you’re in a pretty Parisian neighbourhood.

It is the foundation of Canadian and Quebec history. Rich in culture, history and outdoor activities, it’s a destination where families can enjoy the great outdoors and have fun.

In winter, Québec City is an even more enchanting destination. Its enchanting landscapes, heritage sites, festivals and Christmas markets charm thousands of tourists (and locals) every winter.

There is no international airport in Quebec City, the nearest being Montreal. So you can fly into Montreal and take the train to Quebec City.

Quebec City is about a 3-hour drive from Montreal.

➡️ Read Next: 12 FUN THINGS TO DO IN QUEBEC CITY IN WINTER WITH KIDS

Family winter activities in Quebec City, Quebec

The province’s capital is definitely one of the best places to visit in Quebec in winter for families. You can choose from a wide range of fun activities and attractions.

• Take part in the Carnaval de Québec (winter carnival), Québec City’s winter event par excellence. You can meet Bonhomme Carnaval, visit his palace, admire ice sculptures and watch parades and night-time shows.
• Skate on one of the most beautiful rinks in Quebec City at Place d’Youville. The refrigerated rink is located on the edge of Old Quebec and Parliament Hill. At night, the rink is illuminated, giving you the impression of being in a Christmas film!
• Visit the ice hotel (Hôtel de Glace) – a unique concept. The whole family will be fascinated by this architectural work – where people can actually sleep – made entirely of ice.
• Strolling through the Petit Champlain district, one of the most picturesque in Quebec City, is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Quebec City in winter with children. With its magnificent Christmas decorations and European charm, you’ll think you’ve stepped straight out of a Christmas story.
• If you’re looking for an indoor family activity to do in Quebec City in winter with the kids, we recommend the Bora Parc water park. Located at Village Vacances Valcartier, about twenty minutes north of Quebec City, you can enjoy 14 water slides, a family pool, a wave pool and much more.

Best family-friendly restaurants in Quebec City, Quebec

If you are looking for where to eat in Quebec City with kids, here are our top recommendations:

• Le Cochon Dingue is a Parisian-inspired restaurant with a Quebec flavour. This restaurant is an institution in Quebec City, attracting locals and tourists all year round. Steak frites and spicy sides are its most popular dishes. A children’s menu is available. It is located near the river, right in the heart of Petit-Champlain. Le Cochon Dingue also has two other locations in Quebec City, one in the Hôtel Le Concorde and the other on Rue Saint-Jean.
• The Chic Shack, very close to the majestic Château Frontenac, is a relaxed pub that is also extremely popular. It’s definitely an address to add to your itinerary when visiting Old Quebec. The huge burgers and hearty poutines are particularly popular.
• La Buche is the quintessential Quebec restaurant for families who want to discover typical local dishes and sample local flavours. La Buche is a sugar shack with a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

Where to stay with kids in Quebec City, Quebec

If you decide to tick Quebec City off your list of the best places to visit in Quebec in winter, here’s where we recommend you and your family stay:

• The Manoir Victoria hotel is ideally located in Old Quebec. Its location gives you easy access to the main tourist attractions. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and two on-site restaurants.
• For a more luxurious family getaway, the Fairmont Château Frontenac is certainly the place to be. This heritage building boasts magnificent views of the St Lawrence River and snow-covered Quebec City. This five-star hotel has an indoor swimming pool, spa and sauna. Located in Old Quebec, several tourist attractions are within walking distance.
• Finally, the Hôtel Valcartier is an excellent option if your family winter getaway in Quebec City is mainly planned around activities at the water park.

3. Gatineau, Quebec

Gatineau is the fourth-largest city in Quebec, and its tourist potential is often sadly underestimated. We live in this beautiful city and are deeply convinced that it is one of the best places to visit in Quebec in winter for families.

With its proximity to the city of Ottawa, Gatineau offers a fantastic 2 for 1 for families visiting the region! A single bridge separates the two cities, making activities and attractions very accessible on both sides of the Ottawa River.

In Gatineau, the outdoors rubs shoulders with traditional tourist activities. Gatineau Park, the region’s largest green space, is a wonderful playground for families who love the outdoors and winter sports.

Gatineau is approximately 2.5 hours’ drive from Montreal and five hours from Toronto. The Ottawa International Airport is close by for air travellers.

➡️ Read Next: OTTAWA WITH KIDS IN WINTER: 9 ABSOLUTELY AMAZING ACTIVITIES

Family winter activities in Gatineau, Quebec

• If you’re visiting Gatineau in February, a stop at Winterlude is a must. This quintessential winter event is a festival that has been attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year since 1979. You can slide down the huge snow and ice slides sculpted for the event, admire the ice sculptures, enjoy a hot chocolate and a beaver tail while swaying to the rhythm of the wild music. This event is at the top of the list of things to do in Gatineau in winter. Our kids love spending a few days there every year. Try to find the festival mascots, the Ice Hogs, to take a photo and immortalize the moment with your family.
• Take a winter hike on one of Gatineau Park’s many marked trails. Our favourite winter trail is the Mackenzie King Estate, a magnificent 231-hectare estate that belonged to former Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. The children love walking around here and admiring the ruins and cottages on the shores of the frozen lake.
• Tubing is a great winter activity! There are several options in the Gatineau region: Sommet Edelweiss, Domaine de l’Ange-Gardien and Lac Beauchamp (one of 14 tobogganing sites developed by the city of Gatineau).
• Feed the animals, including cute baby deer, in their natural habitat at Parc Omega. In winter, the park is particularly enchanting with its snowy decor.
• To warm up or discover the region in a different way, visit one of the 7 national museums spread between Gatineau and Ottawa. Our favourites are the Canada Science and Technology Museum (where you’ll see weird cooking, steam trains and more), the Canadian Museum of Nature (home to a complete blue whale skeleton and fossilised dinosaur specimens) and the Canadian Children’s Museum (where you can take an interactive world tour).

Best family-friendly restaurants in Gatineau, Quebec

• Piz’za–za is definitely our favourite restaurant. It’s a small Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Old Hull, Gatineau’s downtown core. The Italian cuisine will please kids and parents alike. The relaxed atmosphere and quality service make this restaurant a must in Gatineau. Their pizza dough is DELICIOUS.
• Restaurant Ottavio is an excellent option for families with members suffering from intolerances and/or allergies. The restaurant offers a gluten-free menu that is safe for people with celiac disease. The large dining room is inviting and warm.
• The Chelsea Pub is not officially in Gatineau, but it is only a few minutes from downtown. It’s 2 minutes from many of Gatineau Park’s most popular trails. This is a restaurant with an ultra-casual and very friendly atmosphere. On the menu you’ll find American-style nachos, burgers, salads and traditional Quebec poutine.

Where to stay with kids in Gatineau, Quebec

• If you’re heading to Gatineau, one of the best places to visit in Quebec in winter for families, we recommend the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gatineau. This newly built hotel caters to the needs of families: ideally located, affordable and well equipped. Features include a heated indoor pool and free parking. You’ll be close to several restaurants, the theatre, the shopping centre and much more.
• For a more luxurious experience, the five-star Hilton Lac-Leamy is also a great option for a family getaway in Gatineau. On the shores of Lac Leamy, the hotel boasts a heated outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool and spa. No fewer than six restaurants are available on site.

4. Charlevoix, Quebec

The Charlevoix region is one of Quebec’s natural gems. Situated between the river and the mountains, it offers breathtaking scenery. The region is made up of 13 municipalities, each more charming than the last.

Its rugged terrain is due to the impact of a meteorite that struck the region more than 400 million years ago.

The Charlevoix region is particularly renowned for its national parks, mountains, wildlife and flora. It’s one of the most beautiful winter playgrounds in Quebec for families who love the outdoors. That’s why Charlevoix ranks as one of the best places to visit in Quebec in winter for families.

Family winter activities in Charlevoix, Quebec

• Enjoy winter sports in one of the region’s two national parks: Parc national des Grands-Jardins and Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie (one of the most beautiful natural areas in Quebec). Take advantage of the marked trails to practise the sport of your choice and admire some of Quebec’s most beautiful landscapes.
• Ski or snowboard at Le Massif de Charlevoix – this is the highest ski area in the province from which you’ll have a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River. The Massif’s ski area extends over 53 runs.
• Go hiking to enjoy the immensity of the Charlevoix winter landscape. In addition to the two national parks, the region has a multitude of trails scattered throughout its territory.

Best family-friendly restaurants in Charlevoix, Quebec

• Pains D’exclamations! is a bakery that’s very popular with families visiting Charlevoix. Located in La Malbaie, you can enjoy a magnificent view while you savour your pastries.
• For a typically Québécois experience, opt for Joe Smoked Meat. It’s a small, affordable restaurant in Baie-Saint-Paul. The spaghetti salad is very popular! But it’s the smoked meat dishes, cut directly in front of the customers, that delight visitors.
• Le Saint-Pub microbrewery, also in Baie-Saint-Paul, is the perfect restaurant for families looking for a friendly atmosphere and decor. Burgers, fries and lobster and prawn guédilles are among the most popular choices. 

Where to stay with kids in Charlevoix, Quebec

As one of the best places to visit in Quebec in winter, Charlevoix offers a range of accommodation perfect for families:

• Club Med Charlevoix, Canada’s only all-inclusive Club Med Village, offers an incredible experience for families in Charlevoix. It is ideally located, right at the foot of Le Massif. With views of the St. Lawrence River and the mountains, you’ll be treated to breathtaking winter scenery.
• La Pignoronde offers families the chance to rent apartment/condo-style accommodation. They are spacious, friendly and equipped with everything a family on holiday could need. Enjoy magnificent views from the terrace and take advantage of the indoor swimming pool to have some fun. Hiking and skiing trails are within easy reach of the hotel.
• Hôtel & Spa le Germain Charlevoix offers a luxurious and friendly experience in the heart of nature. Located in Baie-Saint-Paul, this hotel is close to the action – you can walk to the village’s restaurants and shops.

5. Montreal, Quebec

With over 4 million inhabitants, Greater Montreal is the most populous city in Quebec (2nd in Canada). The city is characterised by its great diversity and multiculturalism (citizens of no fewer than 120 nationalities make up the population of Montreal).

The city is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris. Despite the fact that Montreal is the most bilingual city in Quebec (you’ll be greeted in both French and English everywhere you go), French remains at the heart of the city’s cultural identity.

In winter, the city will charm you and quench your thirst for culture, entertainment and discovery.

Unlike the other destinations identified in this article (with the exception of Quebec City), Montreal is easy to visit on foot or by public transport. The metro and bus network allows tourists to travel from one end of the city to the other without worry.

Montreal’s international airport is in Dorval, a fifteen-minute drive from the city centre.

Family winter activities in Montreal, Quebec

• Lace up your skates and admire the enchanting scenery on the banks of the St. Lawrence River at the Old Port skating rink.
• Take a ride on the Montreal Ferris Wheel, also located in the Old Port, to admire the city from a height of 60 metres. With all its decorations, the city is particularly sparkling in winter.
• Take part in one of the biggest winter festivals in the world: Montreal en lumière. On the menu: great food, free outdoor family activities, shows and, of course, illuminations.
• Discover Montreal in a different way with a winter cruise on the St. Lawrence River. Aboard a bateau-mouche, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and be able to admire the clock tower.
• Put on your warmest clothes and hurtle down the slope of Mount Royal. Fun guaranteed!
• In November and December, experience the magic of Christmas while discovering local artisans at one of Montreal’s two superb Christmas markets. What better way to get into the festive spirit!

Best family-friendly restaurants in Montreal, Quebec

• Schwartz’s is one of Montreal’s best-known gourmet addresses. If you’re a fan of smoked meat – the traditional smoked meat – this is the place to go! The restaurant’s relaxed style is perfect for families. There is sometimes a long queue to get a seat. If this option suits you, you can head next door and get a takeaway.
• Magpie‘s pizzas are among the best in Montreal. The atmosphere of this little Mile End restaurant is perfect for families looking for a good meal. The menu changes every 5 months, but some classics remain. One thing’s for sure: you’re in for a treat!
• For an excellent meal in the heart of Old Montreal, opt for Maggie Oakes. Succulent meals are also available.

Where to stay with kids in Montreal, Quebec

• Hotel Nelligan is a great place to stay in Montreal for a long family weekend. This hotel is located in the heart of Old Montreal – where you’ll feel almost like you’re in Paris. There are plenty of activities, restaurants and shops within easy reach of the hotel.
• For a more affordable hotel, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Old Montreal is an excellent choice. Well located and with an indoor pool, this hotel is well suited to the needs of a family on holiday.
• Our personal favourite is the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. This hotel, located right downtown, is close to all the action in Montreal – whatever the season. The beds are ULTRA comfortable and we love the general atmosphere. In fact, this is where John Lennon and Yoko Ono had their famous bed in. 
• The Place d’Armes hotel is also an excellent (and rather luxurious) option for a family trip to Montreal in winter. Given its proximity to many tourist attractions, this hotel in Old Montreal makes it easy to explore the city on foot. The hotel is also just a short walk from a metro station, making it easy for families to get around. Family rooms are available at this hotel.

Conclusion – the Best Places to Visit in Quebec in Winter with Kids

Quebec in winter is like stepping into a snowy wonderland, and these five destinations are perfect for families looking to embrace the season. Whether it’s sledding in Mont-Tremblant, exploring the magical Ice Hotel, or soaking in the charm of Old Quebec, there’s no shortage of winter fun for kids and parents alike.

The key is to plan ahead—bundle up, pack extra mittens, and prepare for some unforgettable outdoor adventures. And don’t worry, each spot offers plenty of family-friendly activities and warm places to take a break, so you can enjoy the magic of a Quebec winter without the stress.

So, grab your winter gear and get ready to experience a family trip that’s full of snow, smiles, and great memories!

Planning a family trip to Quebec? Read these posts next:
– 12 FUN THINGS TO DO IN QUEBEC CITY IN WINTER WITH KIDS
– 7 Long Weekend Family Getaways in Quebec
– OTTAWA WITH KIDS IN WINTER: 9 ABSOLUTELY AMAZING ACTIVITIES
– Granby Zoo: A Fantastic Family Activity For Summer Holidays